A German politician has called for a more open and honest approach to the experiences of Bundeswehr soldiers, as the country marks its first national Veteran’s Day.
Sara Nanni, the defense policy spokesperson for the Green Party’s parliamentary faction, emphasized the need for an authentic, rather than sanitized, portrayal of service in the German military. The Veteran’s Day, she said, should acknowledge the pride in achieving missions, as well as the pain of fallen soldiers and the harm inflicted on their own health.
Nanni also highlighted the struggles of veterans who have suffered from health issues, citing bureaucratic hurdles and, in some cases, a lack of recognition for post-traumatic stress disorders. This, she claimed, can even lead to re-traumatization among soldiers.
The politician urged the Federal Ministry of Defence to take immediate action, calling for a cultural shift that cannot be achieved solely through a single Veteran’s Day. Nanni also emphasized the need for a more open discussion about the realities of serving at the sharp end of Germany’s foreign policy.